Animal Radio Veterinary Correspondent Dr. Marty Becker has solutions to beat the high costs associated with being a pet parent. New veterinary procedures can be expensive. But the simplest way to avoid costs is to keep your pet at its ideal weight.

While the Animal Radio Dream Team has conflicting opinions on pet insurance, the facts stand strong. Yes, you may need to come up with $30,000 for some of today's procedures. But if you're covered, you won't be up the creek without the proverbial paddle.

Graham Anley and his wife Cheryl were on a sailing trip. It was just the two of them and their nine-year-old Jack Russell terrier Rosie for three months. But they hit rough water and their yacht capsized. And as Graham swam to shore, he decided to rescue the dog before his wife.

If you've ever wanted to run the risk of being trampled by a bull but can't afford the trip to Spain, you could always go to Virginia. More than 5000 people have already signed up for the Great Bull Run, a Pamplona-inspired event to be held at a Richmond drag strip.

Lindbergh Field in San Diego has installed what could be called the country's first airport "pooch potties." Officials included four fancy "Pet Relief" stations as part of their billion-dollar expansion. The 75-foot square spaces feature fake grass, a fire hydrant, deodorizers, a hand-washing station, and complimentary bags for cleanup.